Locking-key for journal-bearings.



H. LONG.

\ LOCKING KEY FOR JOURNAL BEARINGS.

5 APPLICATION FILED Amw. 1915.

m July 17, 191?.

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TAl' a" HENRY LONG, 0F VENICE, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO GUSTAV A. NIEMANN, OF VENICE, ILLINOIS.

LOCKING-KEY FOR JOURNAL-BEARINGS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 17, 1917.

Application filed April 26, 1915. Serial No. 23,938.

This invention relates broadly to certain improvements in railway car equipment, and specifically to that. portion of journal box equipment called the journal bearing key or Wedge.

The object of my invention is to provide an improved form of journal bearing key and a means for locking the same in position in the journal box so as to prevent its withdrawal except by the use of special equipment, and thereby preventing the withdrawal of the journal brasses and their consequent loss by theft or inadvertent detachment.

It is well known that railroads annually suffer considerable loss by theft of the brasses which constitute the bearings carrying the journal box on the axles. In present practice the brasses and the journal key or wedge are retained in position by lugs formed on the top of the journal box extending down in front of the outer end of the key. It is a comparatively simple matter, however, to remove the keys so retained, either by breaking off the depending lugs, or by lifting the journal box to a position such that the lugs clear the top of the key, whereupon the key and brass bearing may be withdrawn.

My present invention is designed for use in connection with any form of accepted journal box and bearing, and it may be incorporated into keys of any of the various forms employed.

In the drawings, I have illustrated one embodiment of my invention,

Figure 1 representing a vertical longitudinal section through a journal box showing the axle, the bearing and my improved locking key in position;

Fig. 2, a cross section through the journal box above the key, showing portions of the key in section.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detail of a train pipe attachment utilized in providing operative connection for the device.

By reference to these illustrations, it will be understood that 1 represents the journal box, and 2 the end of the axle which is housed therein. l represents: the bearing resting on the axle journal and provided at its inner end with the usual upwardly extending shoulder 4 The bearing, of course, is concaved so as to make contact with a portion of the journal at the top.

5 represents my improved locking key or wedge, which is seated in the usual fashion on top of the bearing, forming the support for the journal box upon the bearing. The side portions of the key depend in the usual fashion to embrace lateral portions of the bearing, and the inner end of the key abuts the projecting shoulder 45 of the hearing so as to prevent withdrawal of the latter without displacement or withdrawal of the key. At its sides the key makes contact with the side lugs 6 of the journal box. It will be observed that in all these particulars the key is of the usual form and performs the customary functions of such part.

The distinctive feature of my invention resides in the provision of the looking mechanism with which the key is equipped. It will be observed that my improved key is cast with a longitudinal channel 7 there in originally opening at its forward end, and being reduced in diameter near its rear end to form shoulders 7 At its rear end, this channel opens into a cavity 8 originally opening at the top of the wedge and disposed back of the median line of the wedge. The wedge is cast with transverse or lat eral channels 9 originally opening at the sides of the wedge, and into the sides of the cavity 8.

A plunger 10 having a terminal head 10 is disposed in the channel 7, and being reciprocable therein. The head 10" is of a size to make a reasonably close fit with the Wall of the channel, and between the head 10 and the shoulders 7 is disposed the extension spring 11, the tendency of which is to urge plunger 10 toward the front of the wedge. Disposed in the cavity 8 and attached to the rear end of plunger 10, is a cam block 12 having oppositely disposed locking faces 12 and diverging cam faces 12. Disposed in the transverse channels 9 are looking plungers 14 having their outer portions reduced to pass through bushings which are seated in the outer ends of channels 9. Extension springs 16 cooperate with the inner portions of locking plungers 14 and with bushings 15, the tendency of said springs being to .urge locking plungers 14 inwardly into cavity 8 and into contact with cam block 12. Cavity 8 is closed by a plate 17 which retains cam block 12 in place, permitting itsreciprocation in cavity 8. Chair nel 7 is closed by a plug 18 which is preferably ground oft flush with the end of the wedge, or otherwise rendered irremovable. A tap hole 19 is formed in the end of the wedge, opening at its outer end, which tap hole is in communication with channel 7 behind block 18 and in front of plunger head 10 by means of a transversely extending channel 19. Tap hole 19 may be closed by any suitable means such as screw 19 for the purpose of excluding dirt. The arrangement of operating parts is such, that when plunger 10 is in normal position, locking faces 12 of cam block 12 will be disposed in front 'of'theinner ends oflocking plungers 14, holding said plungers extended and springs 16 under compression. In this position, the outer ends of locking plungers 14 extend an appreciable distance beyond the sides of the wedge. When plunger 10 is forced rearwardly against the influence of spring 11, cam block 12 will be pushed rear- 'wardly so as to disengage locking faces 12 from the lnner ends of locking plungers 14,

and said locking plungers 14 will be allowed 'to ride inwardly under the influence of springs 16 as the converging of cam faces 12 permits the lnner ends of the locking plungers to project farther and farther into cavity 8. When cam block 12 is thus sufiiciently retracted, the outer ends of locking plungers 14 will be retracted substantially to the lateral margins of the wedge. lVhen the plunger 10 is released, spring 11 will move it forwardly, carrying cam block 12 forwardly, the efiect of which, due to the faetthat spring 11 is superior to springs 16, will. be to cam locking plungers 14 outwardly, due to the engagement of diverging cam faces 12 with the inner ends of said plungers, unt1lplunger 10 reaches the limit of its outward movement, whereat locking faces 12 will be in engagement with the inner ends of plungers 14.

In the use of this device, the journal parts are assembled as usual; the bearing 4 being placed 'on the journal and in engagement with the side lugs 6, and the wedge being placedon top of the bearing. In order to insert the wedge between side lugs 6 of the journal box, however, it is necessary, of

-'course, to retract locking plungers 14. This is done by use of'the device illustrated in Fig. 3. This device comprises a hose portion 20 having an air hose coupling 21 at one end, and a swivel male screw nipple 22 at the other end, which nipple is adapted to screw into the threaded tap opening 19. This hose is designed to be coupled into the train pipe system or other pressure system by means of the coupling 21, which may be effected in the instance first mentioned by simply closing the cocks and cutting the train pipe line at the end of a car, and then coupling the coupling 20 to the air brake hose in the train line. The pressure from the train line will be transmitted through tap opening 19 and transverse opening 19 into channel 7, wherein it will be exerted against plunger head 1O with the result that it will more plunger 10 backwardly against the influence of spring 11, thereby retracting locking plungers 14 as above described. IV hen plungers 14 are thus retracted, and so held by the air pressure of the train line, the wedge may be inserted between side lugs 6 until locking plungers 14 are to the rear thereof. The angle cock may then be closed, relieving the pressure on plunger head 10, and permit plunger 10 to be moved forward by spring 11, camming locking plungers 14 outwardly to the rear of side lugs 6. The nipple 22 being detached from tap opening 19, said opening may be closed by any suit able dirt-excluding means as above described. VVith the wedge in this condition, its withdrawal is prevented by the engagement of the projecting ends of plungers 14 against the rear sides of side lugs 6. Furthermore, with the wedge in this position, it is impossible to release it except by the use of fluid pressure through tap opening 19 as above described. The outer end of channel 7 being permanently closed by plug 18, and tap opening 19 communicating with channel 7 by a transversely directed channel 19 the introduction of. any mechanical implement for the purpose of pushing plunger 10 rearwardly, is prevented. Furthermore, access to plungers 14 from the front of the journal box is inhibited by the walls and top of the journal box, side lugs 6, and the other parts contained within the journal box.

The forwardly projecting lugs 24 are adapted to contact with the depending lugs 25 of the journal box in the usual fashion, thereby taking the stress of end thrusts off of locking plungers 14. It will be noted that I have somewhat lengthened the wedge in that portion wherein the tap opening 19 and outer portion of channel 7 are formed. This is both for the purpose of accommodating the tap opening 19, and also for the purpose of bringing the said opening sufficiently near the front of the journal box so as to readily permit the attachment of nipple 22.

other than the spring which actuates the operating plunger 10. It is obvious, however, that these independent springs 16 may be eliminated, and plungers 14 actuated in both directions from actuating plunger 10 through a slot cam, lever, or rack and pinion connection, in Which forms the influence of spring 11 Will be transmitted to locking plungers 14 to press them outwardly.

From the foregoing, it Will be observed that my invention provides a very secure locking means for retaining the bearings in position in the journal box; that the movement of the parts into locking position is automatic, and that the locking position is the normal position of the locking parts; that the device cannot be released Without the employment of special equipment readily available to authorized persons, but not available to unauthorized persons, and Which cannot be employed Without rendering the fact immediately evident to trainmen; that the device may be incorporated in any of the various. forms of journal keys in use, and used in connection With any of the accepted forms 01": journal boxes; and that the device is simple in operation, economical in cost, strongin construction, and not readily susceptible of injury. i i

I am aware that the device is capable of various alterations and modifications not herein illustrated or described, Without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. A locking device for journal bearings including members arranged for operable engagement With the bearing and the journal box, and means movable in the box With said members for engaging the box to prevent removal of said members from operative position.

2. A locking device for journal bearings having portions for engaging the bearing and the journal box, and extensible members carried thereby and adapted to engage the journal box.

8. A securing means for journal bearings including a key adapted to engage the bearing and the journal box, and portions mounted on said key and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement With the journal. box.

A. In a truck a locking device for journal box bearings comprising a removable member adapted to engage both the bearing and a portion affixed to the truck, and members carried by said removable member and movable into and out of locking engagement With said portion aflixed to the truck.

5. In a truck, a securing device for journal bearings having a portion adapted to engage a bearing, and movable members aflixed thereto and movable to engage a portion of the truck to prevent removal of the device and bearing therefrom.

6. In a truck, a securing device for journal bearings comprising a member adapted to engage the bearing to hold it in position on the journal, said member being equipped With movable means attached thereto and adapted to engage the truck to inhibit the removal of the member therefrom.

7. A securing device for journal bearings comprising a member adapted to engage a bearing to hold it in position on a journal, said member being equipped with locking means adapted to retain it in position, said locking means being operable by fluid pressure.

8. A securing device for journal bearings comprising a member adapted to engage a bearing to holdit in position on a journal, said member being equipped with means operable by fluid pressure and adapted to secure it against removal from operative position.

9. A securing device for journal bearings comprising a member adapted to engage a bearing to retain it in position on a journal, said member being equipped with locking means adapted to secure it in operative position, actuating means for moving said locking means into operative position, said actuating means being operable by fluid pressure to move said locking means to inoperative position.

10. In a truck, a securing device for journal bearings comprising a member adapted to retain a bearing in position on a journal, a locking element mounted on said member and adapted to retain it in operative position, and means operable by fluid pressure to move said locking element to release said member.

11. In a truck, a securing device for journal bearings comprising a member adapted to retain a bearing in position on a journal, a locking element cooperating .Wlth said member to retain it in operative position, and means carried by said member and operable by fluid pressure for moving said locking element to release said member.

12. In a car, a securing device for journal bearings comprising a member adapted to retain a bearing in position on a journal, and locking means mounted on said member and operable from the train pipe system and adapted to retain said member in operative position.

13. In a truck, a bearing Wedge having movable locking members aflixed thereto and adapted to retain it in operative position in the journal box.

14. In a truck, a bearing Wedge having locking members movably mounted thereon and operable by fluid pressure.

15. A bearing Wedge provided With means insertible into the journal box therewith for retaining it in operative position and operable by fluid pressure.

- 1-6. A bearing Wedge having springpressed looking -means movably mounted thereon and operable to retain it in operative position.

I 17. A retain'ingmember for journal bearings including a member insertible entirely Within and removable from the j ournal box, said member having an operating plunger and a locking element operable thereby.

18. In a truck a retaining member for journal bearings including a locking plunger and an operating plunger operable by fluid pressure, said retaining member inclusive of said plunger being removably positioned completely Within the journal box.

19; Ina journal box *abearingwvedgeor key having a member movable transversely into engagement with a side lugof the journal box for retainingthe Wedgein operative position.

20. In a journal boxa bearing Wedge equipped with means .disposable entirely Within the journal box for securing the Wedge in position, said means-being operable from the front. of the Wedge.

21. In a journalbox, aWedge adapted'to engage the bearing, a lockingelement carriedby theWedge and movable-into locking engagement with the journal box, and means carried by the Wedge and movably cooperating with the locking element for holding it inlocking position.

22.1In a railway-journal box *having infcopiesof thispatent-maybembtained for-five-:cents each, by addressing the Wardly projecting lugs, a locking Wedge adapted :to-secureithe bearing and carrying a movable locking member adapted to operate in rear of the said lugs when the wedge is in operative position.

23. In a railway journal box, a edge disposed intermediate the axle and the jour- Lnal box, inwardly extending lugs formed on the journal box and adapted to cooperate with :the Wedge tOthOlCl it against lateral displacement, and movable members carried by :the Wedge and adapted to coiiperate with saidlugs to retain the Wedge against longitu dinal displacement.

24. In a railway truck, a journal box, a ournal, a Wedge iormlng a support forthe journal box uponthe journal, and locking signature in the-presence of "two Witnesses,

this 21st day of April, 1915.

HENRY LONG. :Witnesses:

.: G. TNEIMANN,

C. S.'BUTLER.

"commissioner ,of .LP-atents, 

